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Herity Report publication welcome but questions remain

David Cullinane, Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, today welcomed the publication of the Herity Report into the provision of a second catheterisation laboratory at University Hospital Waterford, but added that questions remained as to the rationale and purpose of the report in the first place.

Deputy Cullinane said;

“I welcome the publication of the Herity report today, but it should be noted that it raises more questions than answers.

“The report says that there is, at present, no agreed South/South West hospital group strategy for the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease, nor for the location and future scope of cath-lab services. However, it goes on to say that a global strategy for the hospital group is in preparation and is expected by the end of 2016.

“Given that work on a global strategy for the South/South West is underway, it raises the question of why this work was not expedited.

“It is my belief that the focus of management at UHW should be on the development of this global strategy, while ensuring that the clinical needs of patients in UWH’s catchment area are fully met.

“I believe that clarification is needed on why effective population, rather than actual population, was used for determining the catchment area of UWH.

“It is also imperative that Minister Harris makes clear if there will be a second report commissioned, and what changes to the terms of reference he intends to put forward.

“I have already written to the Minister, asking that he convene a meeting of all local Oireachtas members for the South East area.

“I will also request a meeting with Dr Herity to seek clarification on the mechanics of the report that remain somewhat puzzling – that is, its actual rationale given the forthcoming global strategy, and the dichotomy between perceptions of what constitutes a population catchment area.”